KANK2 Knockout HeLa Polyclonal Cells are a CRISPR/Cas9-edited polyclonal knockout population targeting the KANK2 gene in HeLa cells. Utilizing CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene disruption, this product provides a heterogeneous pool of cells with stable KANK2 inactivation for loss-of-function studies. The polyclonal format maintains population diversity, offering a versatile model to investigate focal adhesion dynamics and actin cytoskeleton regulation in cervical adenocarcinoma. The knockout cells allow dissection of KANK2 function in a cancer-relevant background.
HeLa is an immortalized cervical adenocarcinoma epithelial cell line derived from Henrietta Lacks, exhibiting HPV18-positive status and epithelial morphology. Widely used in cancer research, HeLa cells display robust integrin-mediated adhesion and migration, making them an optimal host for studying genes involved in cytoskeletal dynamics and cell motility. Their well-established use in metastasis and signaling assays provides a reliable platform for knockout studies.
KANK2 encodes a scaffold protein essential for integrin-mediated adhesion and actin cytoskeleton remodeling. At focal adhesions, KANK2 interacts with talin-1, vinculin, and ??-catenin, and forms complexes with 14-3-3 proteins, PI3K, and ILK. It operates downstream of integrin receptors and mechanical stress, and upstream of Rho GTPases such as RhoA, regulating F-actin assembly via PIP5K1?? and ROCK. KANK2-mediated talin recruitment stabilizes adhesion complexes; knockout disrupts focal adhesion integrity, impairing cell adhesion and motility.
In HeLa cells, KANK2 knockout destabilizes focal adhesions, reducing adhesion and migration??key phenotypes for cancer metastasis research. This model enables dissection of KANK2-dependent pathways that drive tumor cell dissemination. Additionally, KANK2 mutations are linked to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and nephrotic syndrome, highlighting broader relevance in adhesion-related pathologies. The knockout cells offer a system to study the convergence of mechanical and biochemical signals on the actin cytoskeleton.
These cells are ideal for functional assays such as wound healing, transwell migration, and adhesion assays to quantify motility and adhesive strength. Immunofluorescence staining of focal adhesion components (e.g., vinculin, talin) visualizes complex integrity, while western blotting assesses talin, vimentin, and Rho GTPase activity. They also support drug screening for adhesion inhibitors. For additional information, contact Ascent Research.
